Szechuan Grilled Flank Steak

[bookwoman]

Szechuan Grilled Flank Steak

Serves: 4-6

Preparation / Cooking Time: 20 minutes (not including marinade time)


Ingredients:

1 & 1/4 to 1 & 1/2 pounds beef flank steak

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar

2 tbsp Oriental sesame oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp minced fresh ginger

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions

2 to 3 tsp sesame seeds, toasted (4-5 minutes at 400 degrees)


Instructions:

Combine soy sauce, vinegar, oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper in a small bowl. Marinate the flank steak with the mixture in the refrigerator for 3 hours, turning once halfway through.

After the marinade time, drain the steak, saving the marinade in a small saucepan. Prepare and pre-heat your broiler or outside grill.

Place steak on the grid (if on a BBQ grill) or on a drainable broiling pan, and cook for 14-18 minutes for medium. (Cooking time may be less [12-15 minutes] in an oven-broiler) Turn the steak once halfway through the grilling time.

While the steak is cooking, add the water to the marinade you saved in step 2. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Transfer the steak to a cutting board and slice across the grain into thin slices. Arrange in a fan pattern on the plate and drizzle some of the sauce overtop. Sprinkle the scallions and sesame seeds over top for a wonderful garnish.



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Serving Suggestions:
Serve this dish with Oriental or wild rice, and summer squash sautéed in chicken stock.

Notes:
Remember to peel the fresh ginger with a vegetable peeler before mincing. I recommend using a paring knife to chop the ginger as it may slip and you may accidentally cut a finger. You'll need about a 1 inch square piece of ginger for 2 teaspoons. Also, the sesame seeds are, of course, optional, although it does add a nice touch.